Crimean gays fear life under Russia

Yelena, an openly gay teacher in Crimea who is raising four children with her partner, fears she could lose her family and her job now that her home has been taken over by Russia, AFP reports.

Since the Black Sea peninsula broke away from Ukraine and pledged allegiance to Moscow last month, the 38-year-old has been dreading the impact of tough Russian laws on her and her family, she says.

"There are serious concerns that children can be taken away, and there could be problems at work," Yelena told AFP in Crimea's main city of Simferopol, speaking on the condition that her last name not be published.

Russian President Vladimir Putin last year signed a law banning the dissemination of so-called "gay propaganda" to minors.

Its wording is so vague that experts have said it could be used to persecute homosexuals.

Rights activists say the law has contributed to anti-gay sentiment and hate crimes.

Russia has also passed a law banning adoption by same-sex couples.

Yelena, a slender woman with short hair, metal-rimmed glasses and no makeup, said the legislation essentially outlawed her way of life.

"Generally speaking, the very existence of these people is propaganda," she said, referring to gays.

Yelena calls her partner of seven years her "wife", although there are no laws in Ukraine to bless their union.

Both she and her partner, a doctor, were previously married and together are raising four children aged 10 to 18.

The soft-spoken teacher says she has spent years fighting for her right to be different.

She has given television interviews and weathered pressure from Ukrainian regional authorities with support from her employers and relatives. She commands respect from her pupils' parents, who have grown to trust her.

But after Crimea's annexation by Russia -- a move condemned as illegal by both Ukraine and the United Nations General Assembly -- Yelena says she fears she will have to go back "in the closet".

"Our children consider us both mothers and call us both moms," she said.

"They are not aware of the laws adopted in Russia. I can't even imagine how I'll be able to explain this to them, and that you cannot talk about this."

'Nothing good awaits us'

There are no precise numbers for gays and lesbians in Crimea, home to more than two million people.

Yelena estimated there could be several hundred homosexuals in Simferopol, whose population is about 300,000. She is friends with two same-sex couples with children.

There are a number of gay bars on the peninsula and the resort town of Simeiz, not far from Simferopol, has long been known as a summertime playground for gays from all of Ukraine.